11 February 2014

Of Home, Flying Creatures and White Things I

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَا تُهُ

Now, imagine a scene. A dreamy world where time is a myth and space is unlimited. In this universe, at the centre of it all: a boy. Not too young, nor too old. Judging by his long, messy hair and out of fashion clothes, you can almost tell at first glance that he's from a different world. Almost. Because somehow...he looks most at home in his outward contrast.

Enough about the boy.

Now, imagine another scene. This time of a line a people whose age, colour,and appearance are blurred. Again we see the boy. How he got there, God knows. The scene just shifted and the boy came with it. These people were playing a game it seems. You probably can tell if you saw the laughters and heard their smiles. Yes, you heard me right. See. Laughter. Hear. Smiles.

A side story: this world is not normal. In fact, it is everything but normal. Here, you see sounds and you can hear what you see. Confused? Don't worry, I can tell you're not from around here. I won't tell *a wink and a smile*. But you have to do as the boy does - act natural. While we're trading secrets, why not I let you in on one? I'm not of this world too. You see, me and you, we're more similar than you think. Oh, and did you like the sound of my smile just now? Come let's join in their game!

Shall I explain the rules of this game? Do you hear that swishing sound coming and going past your ears? See, the idea is that you have to catch that thing as it flies past the line of people. That thing - that creature - will weave its way through all of us from that boy at the front, past all the blurry masses of people, to me and finally to you. If no one manages to capture it, the thing will make a gigantic loop over us all and start over. Whoever catches it first wins and gets to keep it. What's the point of this game? Well, that is for you to decide, child - no one knows what that creature is. Sometimes, it's just trash. Other times it's really valuable stuff. The fun is in not knowing what you'll get. Get ready, cause here it comes!

And so began the game. For us, at least. The rest of the line has been at it for ages. "Zoom and whoosh! Zoom and whoosh!" it went. Twice it slipped through my fingers. Want to know another secret? *Zoom and whoosh!* It swerved at the last minute to avoid my outstretched arms. When people tell you they've gotten used to.. *Zoom and whoosh!* Too slow..their sights and sounds reversed...never believe them. *Zoom and whoosh!* You'll never get used to it. They're lying. *Zoom and whoosh!* Another miss. That's why no one can win this game from learning the rules. *Zoom and whoosh!* You need luck. And I have none, kid. Let's hope you do eh? *Zoom and whip!*

Silence. Then despair as the line discover their loss. Well, what do you know? That boy is not bad at all. Not bad at all... Coming here and making it look like he's been here all his life. But I'm happy for him, aren't you? Come have a sit with me, kid. We'll just wait for the next game to start. Mind you, though, it could be a long wait. So better make yourself comfortable. Now, why don't you tell me how you got here? It's been a long time since I've met another person from my previous place. Do tell me what's happened to our world since I left it all these years? I'm itching for news... and home. Mostly home. But news of home won't hurt either...

Before you get started though, do you want to know the name of that tiny creature there? We call it Opportunity. Now, on with your story, kid!